2006 Michigan Residency

About UMS
UMS–RSC Relationship

One elite theater troupe, one renowned university, and one leading performing arts presenter equal three weeks of unparalleled drama, both on stage and off.

The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to the University of Michigan and Ann Arbor for performances of Antony and Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and The Tempest as part of the University Musical Society’s Festival of Shakespeare’s Classics. These productions are unique to our community and exclusive to the United States — no other city in the country will host the RSC in these plays. In fact, people from more than 30 states will attend the productions, providing us with an opportunity to introduce what makes this region so special to a national audience.

This third visit of the RSC to Ann Arbor extends well beyond the stage of the Power Center for the Performing Arts:

U-M students will have the opportunity to engage the company both professionally and personally, through master classes, panel discussions, workshops, and other activities that a three-week residency makes possible.

University faculty are sharing their knowledge about the titles being presented, the history surrounding the plays, themes relevant to the works, and the performance and theatrical experience itself.

The U-M campus offers a wealth of multidisciplinary resources for exploring these plays, covering perspectives from citizenship and stage aesthetics to women’s studies and history. These scholars are providing context not only for students, but for the entire southeast Michigan community through more than 40 residency events open to the public.

It is through special events like the RSC residency that the greater southeast Michigan community, the University, and UMS become a seamless whole. The RSC is truly “in residence” in Ann Arbor, Detroit, and throughout southeastern Michigan, bringing us all together to celebrate classic works of literature and our community’s dedication to the performing arts and education. All in all, there are more than 140 education and other audience engagement events that complement the 21 performances.

The University of Michigan, the University Musical Society, and the Royal Shakespeare Company share a deep commitment to excellence in the performing arts. We invite you to join us for this extraordinary residency.

Sincerely,

Mary Sue Coleman
President
University of Michigan

Kenneth C. Fischer
President
University Musical Society